They wanted an epic Biblical image, or one from a Greek myth. He gave them a painting of a modern-day funeral. Gustave Courbet, A Burial at Ornans by Dr. Claire Black McCoy
Night and day, rough and polish—this chapel embodies opposition and traps the viewer in a moment of transition. Michelangelo, Medici Chapel (New Sacristy) by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
Even in death, great Roman families were concerned with reinforcing and projecting their status. Tomb of the Scipios and the sarcophagus ... by Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker
Uniting ancient Greek purity with Gothic daring, this church marked a new direction for French architecture. Soufflot, The Panthéon (Church of Ste-Geneviève), Paris by Dr. Paul A. Ranogajec
Dante’s vision of Hell inspired generations of artists—and his words still feed imaginations today. Dante’s Divine Comedy in Late Medieval and ... by Matt Collins
Rats spread plague throughout the streets of Europe. Society turned upside down—but the Renaissance lay ahead. The Black Death by Louisa Woodville
1400 years ago, Anglo-Saxons hauled a ship up a hilltop and buried their king and his treasure within. Sutton Hoo Ship Burial (video) by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
Below Rome’s streets lie shelves of tombs. Buried among the dead are early examples of Christian art. Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
As tall as a person, this pot is covered with geometric patterns and early figural representations. Dipylon Amphora by Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris
Below the great citadel of Mycenae, a passage into a hillside leads to a massive beehive-shaped tomb. The Treasury of Atreus by Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris
See the mastery of form developed in the Classical period translated to private art on this solemn gravestone. Grave stele of Hegeso by Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris
A powerful accumulation of names is inscribed on slabs of reflective stone that cuts into the earth on the Mall. Maya Lin, Vietnam Veterans Memorial by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
Found in large numbers in burials, these Chinese carvings constitute an enormous effort by skilled craftsman. Jade Cong by The British Museum
Did Hunefer live an ethical life? See the judgment of the Egyptian gods—who weigh Hunefer’s heart. Hunefer’s Judgement in the presence of Osiris by The British Museum
Monumental figures like these apostles hadn’t been seen since ancient Rome. What sensitivity to rhythm and color! Pietro Cavallini, The Last Judgment by Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris
Christ sits as Judge, separating the blessed from the damned. In Hell, money lenders—like Scrovegni—appear hanged. Giotto, Arena (Scrovegni) Chapel (part 4 of ... by Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris
An unassuming brick exterior belies the luminous mosaics within. In one, a young, beardless Christ tends his flock. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
Monks, or modern dancers? Robes dwarf these hooded men, but outsized drapery befits their monumental expressivity. Claus Sluter (with Claus de Werve), Mourners by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
Though this looks like an exhibit in a natural history museum, Hirst’s subject comes straight from art history. Damien Hirst, The Physical Impossibility of Death ... by Sal Khan, Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
Just another day in Hell. Bosch’s seemingly endless representations of pain and suffering betray his dark vision. Hieronymus Bosch, Last Judgment Triptych by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker